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3D Animation Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic renders and animations, and for use in real-time engines. The artist is expected to model, texture ...

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic renders and animations, and for use in real-time engines. The artist is expected to model, texture ...

NY ยท On-site

$90 - $150/hr

As a Senior 3D Gameplay Artist (Animation & VFX), you'll play a key role in owning the visual and motion game feel of our gameplay mechanics, from greybox to shipped asset, so that objects read as ...

Senior 3D Gameplay Artist

Finland, MN ยท On-site

$58 - $81/hr

As a Senior 3D Gameplay Artist (Animation & VFX), you'll play a key role in owning the visual and motion game feel of our gameplay mechanics, from greybox to shipped asset, so that objects read as ...

Job Title: 3D Artist Location: Wilmington, NC Department: NC Art Reports To: Art Lead Status ... assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system) Preferred Requirements: - Art degree ...

Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for ... Animation * Visual Effects (VFX) * Environmental Design * Architecture * Geographic Information ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist ... Animation * Visual Effects (VFX) * Environmental Design * Architecture * Geographic Information ...

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

School of BAA_Applied Arts Madison College is recruiting a pool of qualified part-time candidates ... Drawing Fundamentals, Design and Color 1, Intro to Animation, Intro to Digital 3D, Animation 2, ...

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3D Animation Artist information

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How much do 3d animation artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d animation artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 3D animation artist do?

A 3D Animation Artist creates moving images and visual effects using computer-generated graphics. They design characters, environments, and objects, and bring them to life through movement and storytelling in films, video games, advertisements, and other digital media. These artists use specialized software to model, texture, rig, animate, and render 3D assets, collaborating closely with other creative professionals to achieve the desired visual outcome.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D animation artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Animation Artist, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, modeling, texturing, and rendering, usually backed by a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D, along with a strong portfolio, is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help artists bring characters and environments to life while meeting project goals. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing engaging, high-quality animations that meet client or studio expectations in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D animation artists during production, and how can they be managed?

3D Animation Artists often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with client or director feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues like rendering errors. Managing these challenges requires strong time management, effective communication within the animation and production team, and a solid understanding of animation software. Collaborating closely with modelers, riggers, and directors also helps ensure the final animation meets both creative and technical expectations.

How much do 3D animation artists make?

The average salary for 3D animation artists varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level artists may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn over $100,000 per year.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career for those with strong artistic skills and proficiency in software like Maya or Blender. It offers opportunities in entertainment, gaming, advertising, and film industries, often requiring continuous learning and portfolio development. Job prospects depend on experience, specialization, and industry demand.

Is there a demand for 3D animation artists?

The demand for 3D animation artists is strong across industries such as entertainment, gaming, advertising, and virtual reality, driven by the increasing use of 3D content. Skilled artists proficient in software like Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D are sought after, and job opportunities are expected to grow as visual effects and immersive media expand.

What jobs can you get with a 3D Animation Artist?

A 3D Animation Artist can work in various roles such as character animator, visual effects artist, game designer, or motion graphics designer. These positions are common in industries like film, gaming, advertising, and virtual reality, often requiring proficiency in tools like Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D. Job opportunities may also include freelance work or positions in animation studios and production companies.
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What states have the most 3D Animation Artist jobs?

States with the most job openings for 3D Animation Artist jobs include:

Infographic showing various 3D Animation Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Artist

Intuitive

Sunnyvale, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies-like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion-have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful-because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you're ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you'll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Primary Function of Position:
The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic renders and animations, and for use in real-time engines. The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as required by internal business partners and the User Experience team. Candidates should have a very strong background in visual art and have at least 8 years' experience in one or more 3D DCCs such as Maya, Houdini, or Blender.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Convert CAD models into high resolution polygon models, including retopologization, texturing, and surfacing
  • Build other models as needed-such as props, anatomical models or characters
  • Build real-time-ready 3D models based on the above assets
  • Animate, light and render scenes for various projects
  • Design and conceptualize visualizations of products or data for brand, training, or other purposes

Qualifications
Skills/Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Animation, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or other similar field of study or 4-5 years working experience as a 3D artist
  • Minimum 3 years experience working as a 3D artist or related role
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya and Adobe Substance suite is preferred
  • Experience with SideFX Houdini is a plus
  • Candidates should be at least familiar enough with Unity Engine to import a model and assign textures and materials for validation purposes
  • Additional experience with Unity Engine is a plus

We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR ยง743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan ("TCP") (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee'sstart date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.